SXSW

You know those kids who graduate college without needing to get a job right away and go backpack Europe for months on end in order to “find oneself”?
Well, it happens when you’re older too.
Really, being in your 30s is all about trying to find ways to make life more like college (read: SXSW = Spring Break) so I decided to wrap up my SXSW …

Our first live broadcast from Austin was on Friday for Morning Becomes Eclectic and we had set up a makeshift studio in the restaurant next to FLOODfest so I could easily run out and see an band for a song or too.
The Sweden showcase started at 11am. I’ve been obsessing over the haunting yet infectious indie rock of Amason for almost a year now …

When those of us who are SXSW alum talk about the “good ‘ol days,” often we’re referring to the time when you could hopscotch from club to club seeing a dozen bands in a matter of hours.
It’s been incredibly difficult to do the last handful of years, but something changed in 2015. All of the sudden, what seemed impossible is now possible again.
As I …

Wednesday is a big day for KCRW at SXSW as we host TWO showcases — that’s 9 bands total!
Dark clouds have been hovering over Austin for much of the week, constantly threatening rain but never releasing more than a drizzle. That said, I was thrilled our day showcase was in the safe confines of the Convention Center’s Ballroom D.
James Bay was soundchecking when we …

Twin Shadow’s appearance on Morning Becomes Eclectic kicked off his upcoming tour and acted as a preview for the upcoming SXSW Music Conference since he is playing a bunch across Austin, including the Radio Day Stage.
Dark, cinematic and yearning, he showcases a grander sound on his third record “Eclipse”, his first on a major label (Warner Bros). It’s an epic sound with a New …

I started my musical day with two very different female artists.
Ryn Weaver became instantly buzzworthy with the overnight success of her debut single “Octahate“, which has racked up more than 3 million listens on Soundcloud.

Earlier this week, she announced that her debut album “The Fool” is due in June and the title track was the highlight of her set at the Spotify House.
She has …

In many years of attending SXSW, I’m a little superstitious that the first show you see is often an omen for how the entire week will go.
In the case of SXSW 2015, I threw my bags in my room and hopped in a pedi cab headed for a house party in east Austin hosted by the state of Michigan. Yes, the state of Michigan.
Dale …

Ibeyi are Cuban-born sisters based out of Paris, France who expertly blend some of the most amazing world sounds with minimal instrumentation.
A simple percussion instrument known as the cajòn and piano layered with beautiful vocals makes for a unique sound that incorporates both English and Yoruba, which is the native language of Nigeria.
They share the music in their blood which came from their father, …

I’m been anxiously awaiting Courtney Barnett’s MBE debut and she did not disappoint.
With her bandmates, fellow Aussies Dave and Bones (who were absolutely giddy when I showed them KCRW’s music library,a treasure trove of thousands of records), the trio tore through a bunch of new songs, alongside two favorites from last years “A Sea of Split Peas” double EP — “Avant Gardner” and “History …

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About the KCRW Music Blog

Expect a steady flow of new music discovery of “Artists You Should Know,” selected by KCRW Staff and DJs and including streaming mp3s. Also, enjoy video clips of our favorite songs from our own Morning Becomes Eclectic in-studio sessions, as well as the EXCLUSIVE material that we are thrilled to offer to readers when we get the chance!